Dalglish, writing in the Mirror, declared: "Some people have criticised Roy Hodgson over Rio ­Ferdinand’s withdrawal from the England squad this week.

"I think that’s a misreading of the ­situation. I think Roy has played it right. Why? Because now he knows exactly where he stands.

"When he named Rio in the squad, he brought the whole situation over the player’s availability to a head.

"You have to take Rio at his word and accept that he wants to play for the Three Lions again.

"But it is one thing wanting to do it and it is another thing being able to do it and it has become apparent over the last week that he is unable to do it. I’ve heard all the stuff about the pre-planned fitness programme, but it doesn’t sound right to me.

"The people at Manchester United who designed the programme knew there were two England dates coming up.

"They also knew that Rio had expressed his desire to play for his country time and time again. But it appears that they gave no consideration to the idea that Roy might take Rio at his word and select him."

Is King Kenny right about United's role in all this? Give us your shout below...